“I don’t think the draw could have worked out any better. I think they’ve pretty much all got the boxes they want in the final.”

Noittingham’s Jason Smith is expecting a competitive final of the Jenningsbet Puppy Classic which he believes could be settled at the first bend.

There is an intriguing battle in prospect on the outside where local pup Bellmore Cricket, five wins in six outings, renews rivalry with the only dog to have turned him over so far, Barrie Draper’s Distant Podge.

Jason said: “It looks to be between the two on the outside. The six is a very useful pup and I think he can lead. It is then a case of can he get across the five at the bend. It’s a good final and we are pleased to have three locals in it.”